Nanaimo

Dining

(Kevin Arnold photo)

Where to eat? What to eat? Dining options are varied in Nanaimo.

Deep-fried pub grub remains a tradition in a city renowned for having the highest per-capita number of watering holes in Canada. Yet times have changed dramatically in recent years and Nanaimo is now home to a remarkably diverse array of first-rate eateries – white tablecloth, ethnic and funky casual included.

Seafood, naturally enough, is a local specialty. Catch of the day specials are a fixture of many local menus as area fishermen deliver their hauls of salmon, prawns, crab, halibut, cod, oysters and clams.

Purchase seafood directly from the boats at Fisherman's Wharf in Nanaimo Harbour, or check out any number of casual eateries found along the seawall near Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, home of the Nanaimo Downtown Farmers' Market.

Sample the Famous Nanaimo Bar

Another delight: The Nanaimo Bar, a sinfully rich and sweet no-bake square with a wafer base, creamy white filling and chocolate topping. Take a self-guided tour on the Nanaimo Bar Trail, featuring 23 tasty stops. The Visitor Centre can supply a map and a list of local bakeries and coffee shops that sell the bars, which have given the city an international reputation since their advent in the 1950s.

Restaurants and Ethnic Eats

Many fine and popular restaurants are clustered in the Old City Quarter just up the hill from downtown on the west side of Highway 1 (Terminal Avenue). Greek, Italian, Japanese, Thai and vegan restaurants are in the immediate vicinity of Wesley and Fitzwilliam streets.

Another concentration of eating spots is in the heart of downtown, many of them strung along or near Commercial Street. The choices include tapas, Middle Eastern, fish 'n' chips and West Coast fusion.

Also in the city centre are two popular cafes with sumptuous baked goods. Mon Petit Choux (120 Commercial Street) is a French bakery known for its organic breads, pastries, rustic sandwiches, excellent breakfasts and soups. Just up the street is Perkins Coffee Company (234 Commercial), an intimate, red-walled hangout serving organic coffee and a wide selection of muffins.

Other Local Dining Highlights:

Dinghy Dock Pub (Protection Island): A five-minute ferry ride takes passengers to Canada's only floating pub. Enjoy the seafood and burgers, then step back on dry land and explore Protection Island.

Longwood Brewpub (5775 Turner Road): Nanaimo's only brewpub serves its own selection of beers along with a full menu in an elegant, wood-accented restaurant. The Belgian-influenced, raspberry scented Framboise is a refreshing tipple.

Crow & Gate (2313 Yellow Point Road): This Tudor-style landmark in nearby community Cedar specializes in English pub fare both indoors and in its landscaped garden. In 1972, the C&G became the first "neighbourhood pub" allowed in BC, when the provincial government changed its liquor laws.

Mahle House Restaurant (2104 Hemer Road): Fine, candle-lit dining in a century-old house in Cedar. Steaks are a specialty here and the greens come from such local suppliers as nearby Hazelwood Herb Farm.